Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince arrived on PC and mobile in September 2024; it is no longer an upcoming release. Square Enix announced the Steam, iOS and Android launch for 11 September 2024, while Square Enix Asia’s product metadata lists 12 September. The game first launched on Nintendo Switch on 1 December 2023.
Which platforms can you play it on?
Square Enix currently lists The Dark Prince as available on Nintendo Switch, Steam and mobile. Square Enix Asia identifies the mobile platforms as iOS and Android. The Steam edition is for PC; the mobile versions are distributed through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Official listings: Square Enix game page, Square Enix Asia product page, Steam, Apple App Store and Google Play.
When did the PC and mobile versions launch?
Square Enix’s 28 August 2024 announcement gave 11 September 2024 as the launch date for PC (Steam) and mobile. Square Enix Asia’s article, published on 11 September, also called the game available, but its product metadata records 12 September 2024 as the release date for Steam, iOS and Android. These are differing official dates, so the clearest account is that the rollout took place across 11–12 September, depending on the source or regional dating. The Switch version’s product metadata gives 1 December 2023.
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- From rivers of molten lava to towering mountains of sweets, the fantastical environments of Nadiria are as varied as the monsters that populate them.
- Over 500 monsters to scout, battle, and assist on your journey, including a variety of unique, never-before-seen monsters as well as many familiar favorites from the DRAGON QUEST franchise.
- Synthesize monsters and to create a one-of-a-kind roster
- Create a slime that's a spell specialist or a dracky that can dish out devastating damage. When it comes to battles, you choose how involved you want to be. You can give every order yourself, set general tactics for your monsters to follow, or leave it entirely in their hands with the auto-battle feature.
See Square Enix’s launch announcement and Square Enix Asia’s product listing.
What kind of game is The Dark Prince?
The story follows Psaro, who is cursed so that he cannot harm anything with monster blood. He becomes a Monster Wrangler and travels through Nadiria with Rose, an elf, seeking powerful monsters. The journey’s changing seasons and environments shape the world he explores.
Rank #2
![DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince - Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51c5mxgKX+L._SL160_.jpg)
- From rivers of molten lava to towering mountains of sweets, the fantastical environments of Nadiria are as varied as the monsters that populate them
- With each turn of the season, sweeping changes take hold of the landscapes; Some monsters only appear when the weather suits them, and keen-eyed monster wranglers can take advantage of the seasonal changes to reach previously inaccessible areas
- Over 500 monsters to scout, battle, and assist on your journey, including a variety of unique, never-before-seen monsters as well as many familiar favorites from the DRAGON QUEST franchise
- Synthesize monsters and to create a one-of-a-kind roster; Create a slime that's a spell specialist or a dracky to dish damage
- A Wonderous World Awaits
Recruit, battle and synthesize monsters
The central loop is to recruit monsters, build a party and battle, then synthesize two monsters to create a stronger offspring. Square Enix advertises a roster of “over 500 monsters”; that figure is the publisher’s product claim. Its official description calls synthesis “the ability to combine two monsters and create a stronger offspring.”
What is included in the PC and mobile releases?
Square Enix said the PC and mobile editions include the main story and all DLC previously released as part of the Nintendo Switch Digital Deluxe Edition. That establishes the inclusion of that Switch edition’s DLC, but does not by itself prove complete feature parity among platforms.
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- Card Size (W x H): Approx. 2.3 x 3.5 inches (58 x 89 mm)
There is one specific documented difference for PC: Steam’s listing says console Online Battles are not included in the PC version. That statement is about PC; it should not be assumed to describe the mobile versions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you choose a version?
| Version | Launch timing | Documented content or feature note |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 1 December 2023, according to Square Enix Asia product metadata | The Digital Deluxe Edition’s previously released DLC is included in the later PC and mobile releases. |
| PC (Steam) | 11 September 2024 in Square Enix’s announcement; 12 September in Square Enix Asia product metadata | Includes the Switch Digital Deluxe Edition DLC; console Online Battles are not included on PC. |
| Mobile (iOS and Android) | 11 September 2024 in Square Enix’s announcement; 12 September in Square Enix Asia product metadata | Includes the Switch Digital Deluxe Edition DLC. The cited sources do not establish a mobile Online Battles comparison. |
The supported comparison is therefore release timing, platform, the stated DLC inclusion and the PC-specific Online Battles omission. These sources do not establish comparative performance, controller support, save transfer or full feature parity, so those points should not determine a purchase without checking the relevant platform’s current listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Body size: H: about 40 mm W: about 40 mm
- Main manufacturing countries: China
- (C) SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.
- The eyes are well done, not stick on the outside.
- Looks great! No blemishes, very high quality.
Rank #4
- A FIRST DUNGEON CRAWLER FOR AGES 5 AND UP: The Quest Kids brings the fantasy adventure of tabletop RPG games to young players. Pick a hero, explore Tolk's Cave, collect treasure, scare off silly monsters and finish quests to earn stars.
- NO READING REQUIRED, RULES IN 5 MINUTES: Symbols and pictures replace text, so kids as young as five play on their own. Parents who love board games get a real game too, not a toy that only children enjoy.
- COOPERATIVE OR COMPETITIVE: Play together and help each other through the cave, or race for the most stars. Either way a game runs 20-30 minutes, so it fits a school night and finishes before anyone loses interest.
- EVERYTHING IN THE BOX: Game board, 4 large hero figures, 4 player boards, 42 dungeon cards, 122 additional cards, 6 gems, treasure tokens and scoring sheets. 2 to 4 players, ages 5+, no batteries and no app needed.
- GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD: Three expansions add a dragon hero, boss fights, a story campaign and new realms, so the game your 5 year old learns is still the game your 8 year old asks for. Makes a birthday or Christmas gift that gets replayed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
